Introduction
In tough economic times, people are sometimes left scrambling for cash to meet everyday expenses and lifestyle demands. Your insurance investments are a possible source of funds to meet your financial needs.
Friendly Reminder:
You may either opt for early withdrawal or surrender. Surrendering an insurance policy means exiting from the insurance policy before the maturity. It is the voluntary termination of the insurance contract by the policyholder.
It is however important to remember the purpose of insurance investments. The most relevant ones are:
• Long-term savings for retirement – financial consequences of a longer-than-expected life (longevity).
• Protection against financial consequences of early death, disability.
What does it mean to surrender an insurance policy or cash in your insurance investment before they mature?
There are certainly some consequences to using insurance investment plans to meet immediate cash needs, especially if you’re compromising your long-term goals or your family’s financial future.
Here is what you must consider before deciding to prematurely terminate or surrender your insurance investment plans:
• Surrender charges;
• Inability to obtain coverage or the same amount of coverage at the same price;
• Loss of guaranteed interest rate;
• Loss of additional savings benefits as opportunity costs of surrender.
If you are in doubt or need more information about the risks or consequences of early withdrawal or cancellation, please contact your Financial Advisor or NAMFISA.
NAMFISA Compblaints Department: (061) 290 5000 (main) or 290 5133 (Ms Marina K. Ishidhimba) or 290 5207 (Ms Hilka Alberto), Fax: (061) 290 5122; for online complaints email complaints@namfisa.com.na; visit www.namfisa.com.na or visit us on the: 6th Floor, Alexander Forbes House, 154 Independence Avenue, Windhoek.
* NAMFISA treats all information obtained from the public with confidentiality.
Issued by:
Phillip N. Shiimi
REGISTRAR: LONG- AND SHORT-TERM INSURANCE
It is however important to remember the purpose of insurance investments. The most relevant ones are:
• Long-term savings for retirement – financial consequences of a longer-than-expected life (longevity).
• Protection against financial consequences of early death, disability.
What does it mean to surrender an insurance policy or cash in your insurance investment before they mature?
There are certainly some consequences to using insurance investment plans to meet immediate cash needs, especially if you’re compromising your long-term goals or your family’s financial future.
Here is what you must consider before deciding to prematurely terminate or surrender your insurance investment plans:
• Surrender charges;
• Inability to obtain coverage or the same amount of coverage at the same price;
• Loss of guaranteed interest rate;
• Loss of additional savings benefits as opportunity costs of surrender.
If you are in doubt or need more information about the risks or consequences of early withdrawal or cancellation, please contact your Financial Advisor or NAMFISA.
NAMFISA Compblaints Department: (061) 290 5000 (main) or 290 5133 (Ms Marina K. Ishidhimba) or 290 5207 (Ms Hilka Alberto), Fax: (061) 290 5122; for online complaints email complaints@namfisa.com.na; visit www.namfisa.com.na or visit us on the: 6th Floor, Alexander Forbes House, 154 Independence Avenue, Windhoek.
* NAMFISA treats all information obtained from the public with confidentiality.
Issued by:
Phillip N. Shiimi
REGISTRAR: LONG- AND SHORT-TERM INSURANCE
Summary
Surrendering Your Insurance Policy: What You Need to Know
In tough economic times, people may turn to their insurance investments for quick cash by withdrawing early or surrendering their policy. However, surrendering a policy — ending it before maturity to access its cash value — can have serious long-term consequences that must be carefully considered
Why Do People Surrender Their Policies?
People may consider surrendering their policies to:
- Access immediate funds for living expenses or debt repayment
- Cope with a financial emergency
- Reallocate funds to another investment
While these reasons may seem valid in the short term, surrendering your policy could compromise your long-term financial goals and your family’s financial security.
Key Purposes of Insurance Investments
Before surrendering your policy, it’s important to remember why you took it out in the first place. Common goals include:
- Long-term savings for retirement – To protect against the financial impact of a longer life (longevity risk)
- Financial protection for your family – Against the consequences of early death, disability, or serious illness
Things to Consider Before Surrendering Your Policy
Premature withdrawal or surrender of your policy may result in:
- Surrender charges: These are fees deducted from your payout if the policy is ended early.
- Loss of insurance coverage: If you choose to take out a similar policy later, you may not qualify due to age or health status.
- Forfeiture of guaranteed interest or returns: Most policies offer guaranteed benefits if held to maturity.
- Loss of accumulated savings: Surrendering interrupts the growth of your savings and creates opportunity costs.
Before making a final decision, speak to your Financial Advisor or contact NAMFISA for more information about the risks involved in cancelling or cashing out your insurance investment.